Luis Castro a leading candidate for Benfica's next manager

Guimarães manager Luis Castro is believed to be Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira's main target as the successor to Rui Vitoria. 

The 57-year old joined Guimarães at the start of the season, and has overseen his side reach 5th place in the league after 15 games, only behind the established Big Four in the country.

Castro was also considered the primary target of English championship outfit Reading who were looking for a replacement for Paul Clement, but the Portuguese manager decided that it wasn't the right time for him to move on.

Reading ultimately then went for compatriot Jose Gomes instead, who joined the English second tier side from Rio Ave. 

Castro would take over from Rui Vitoria, who was sacked after he oversaw a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Portimonense. 

Vitoria, like Castro, was manager of Guimarães when Benfica came calling, and Castro would certainly fit the bill as a potential Benfica manager, being a highly-regarded coach within the country.

Another name believed to be on Vieira's list of potential successors is Jorge Jesus, who is currently manager of Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

The ex-Benfica boss famously upset fans after joining bitter rivals Sporting before his departure to the Middle East last summer.